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Verona Council to Discuss Mario Balotelli Defamation Lawsuit After Racist Abuse

Verona's city council is considering suing Mario Balotelli for defamation after the Brescia striker was racially abused at Hellas Verona's Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday during a Serie A match.

Former Italy international Balotelli kicked the ball in anger into the stand he was being abused from and almost walked off the pitch, but he was persuaded by his team-mates and Verona players to remain in the game.

The match, which Verona won 2-1, was subsequently stopped after referee Maurizio Mariani initiated the anti-racism protocol, and an announcement was made in the stadium warning further abuse would lead to an abandonment.